Entra ID (formerly Azure Active Directory) is Microsoft's enterprise identity backbone. M365, Azure and 5,000+ SaaS applications work integrated with Entra ID. Its correct setup is the foundation of the security of your entire cloud architecture.
01. The Difference from Classic AD
On-premise Active Directory does user and group management locally. Entra ID is the cloud version of this; it also has modern identity-management capabilities like SSO, MFA and Conditional Access.
02. SSO (Single Sign-On)
Sign in once with Entra ID and access thousands of applications: M365, Salesforce, ServiceNow, GitHub, even custom internal apps. The user experience improves and security increases.
03. MFA and Passwordless
MFA is mandatory; passwordless (Windows Hello, FIDO2 key, Authenticator app) is the modern trend. Passwordless sign-in is both secure and fast.
04. Conditional Access
Who can access, from where, with which device — it's defined here. Rules like "require MFA if there's access from outside Turkey."
05. Identity Governance
With Entra ID Premium P2, Identity Governance: user lifecycle, access reviews, manager-approved access requests. Critical for enterprise compliance.